Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: Non–compliance can result in visual loss. Especially cataract patients are often naive to topical treatment. By means of a new electronic device we studied compliance with postoperative topical ocular therapy in ambulant cataract patients. Methods: Commercially available eye–drops containing a fixed combination of Prednisolone and Gentamycin (InflanegentTM, Allergan) were equipped with a new microprocessor–controlled compliance monitor. After obtaining written informed consent 20 cataract patients (mean age: 62.9 years) were asked to apply the drops 5x daily between 8am and 10pm for 14 days postoperatively. Furthermore ten of the patients were randomly assigned to keep the bottles refrigerated. The device stored date, time and ambient temperature of each application. Results: According to the monitoring device the mean of total administered drops was 33.3±15.7 drops per patient for the observed 14 day period; range: 10–74. The prescribed total dose was 70 drops per eye. As determined by the monitor 10 patients took less than one half, 4 less than one quarter of the prescribed medication. The rate of compliance was not higher in the last 24 hours preceding the return appointment. Recorded temperatures of the group assigned to keep the bottles refrigerated were significantly lower compared to the other participants. Conclusions: Compliance with topical therapy was studied for the first time in ambulant cataract patients by means of a new electronic device. All patients were non–compliant with regards to total dose, time intervals or premature discontinuation of therapy. The new device presents a basis for studying compliance with topical ocular therapy.
Keywords: clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: systems/equipment/techniques • clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: treatment/prevention assessment/controlled • clinical research methodology